In Ramayana, Maruti or Hanuman is depicted as a strong,
loyal, and a follower of Prabhu Ramachandra sans ego.
But look at the Maruti executives. They seem to be arrogance
personified. Here is the statement of Maruti’s MD Shinzo Nakanishi: “I hope the
workers in Manesar understand that an internal union better represents their
interests.” [TOI Jan 7, 2012]
There are several issues with this statement – Firstly the
underlying assumption is that an internal union serves workers’ interests
better than external union. There is no basis for making this statement. There
are several organisations where external unions have represented their
employees and without much problem. So Mr Nakanishi’s statement only discloses
his bias and not a fact.
Secondly, the statement may be true if he means that ‘an
internal union better represents their interests as far as the Maruti management is concerned,’ one must appreciate
his audacity to say it. The newspaper reports have captured in detail how
Maruti handled the recent strike and promoted an internal union. Such unions
are called ‘puppet unions’ and obviously not without reason.
Even so, Maruti MD’s
statement only smacks of arrogance and a tendency to ‘manage environment.’ Those
who followed the strike will recall the rumours that Maruti actually paid Rs 1
Crore to its worker leaders for taking separation. Mr Nakanishi’s statement can
only make people believe that the rumour is true.
A mature statement came from Toyota Kirloskar which too
experienced labour strife. [Quote] Said
Vikram Kirloskar Toyota Kirloskar Motor vice chairman: "We're trying to
improve communication with team members and instil ownership in the company.
When we started out, we ended up with fresh hands and failed to understand
their demographic and personal requirements. That's why we had labour problems
in the first plant but the second plant the going has been smooth. We have
promoted career development and ensured a mix of experienced and new
people."[Unquote]
The language discloses your thoughts. In the case of Maruti,
those are far from encouraging. “Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The
arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient
for tomorrow” said William Pollard more than a hundred years ago.
It stands
true even today.
Do you get me Mr. Nakanishi?
Vivek
Photo Courtesy EcoTimes